²έΑρΙηΗψ

A unique collection of algae based at ²έΑρΙηΗψ will be part of a new £4.5m research project to develop the use of natural products in the agriculture, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.

The Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), described as a botanical gardens for algae, holds more than 3,000 strains, offering a hugely untapped resource for sustainable and natural products and industries.

The collection is part of the , led by Swansea University, which gained funding from UKRI’s £25m Accelerating the Green Economy programme, that will bring jobs, skills, and prosperity to areas across the UK.

The NP BioHUB aims to lead innovation in natural products use in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries to become healthier, greener, and more sustainable.

Dr Michael Ross, Head of CCAP and ²έΑρΙηΗψ project co-lead, said: "CCAP is an international asset, as one of the most biodiverse culture collections in the world. The micro-organisms that we maintain have an immense, yet underexplored, potential for providing sustainable solutions to some of societies greatest challenges.

“Throughout this project, we will be analysing our strains to look for properties that align with the NP BioHUB aims of commercialisation of novel metabolites from algae and fungi. These are for more sustainable, natural products, for use in the blue and green circular economy. We are particularly interested in products that have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, or insecticidal properties to support food security, agritech, and biotech in general.

“This funding will enable to NP BioHUB to make great strides into our understanding and unlocking the potential benefits of algae, fungi, and protozoa.”

The eukaryotic microbe natural products market has grown substantially, with annual increases of 10-15%, including markets such as antimicrobials, organic acids, and emerging sectors in algal and agricultural natural products.

The potential of eukaryotic microbes, including fungi and algae, goes beyond established markets like industrial ethanol production to address urgent global needs in alternative energy, resilient net-zero agriculture, and antimicrobial resistance.

The NP BioHUB represents a pioneering collaboration between academia, industry, and civic partners, including Swansea University, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), and ²έΑρΙηΗψ, which hosts the CCAP.

Announcing the funding Dr Kate Hamer, UKRI Programme Director, Building a Green Future, said: “Transitioning to a sustainable green economy is a win-win for all; it creates new jobs, new partnerships and new industries.

“Through investment in collaboration between researchers and innovators, we harness our collective effort across the public and private sector, driving innovation to secure the future of our environment and deliver sustainable economic growth.”

UKRI’s Building a Green Future strategic theme aims to accelerate the green economy by supporting research and innovation that unlocks solutions essential to achieving net zero in the UK by 2050.  It is one of five UKRI strategic themes aiming to harness the full power of the UK’s research and innovation system to tackle large-scale, complex challenges.

Project lead Professor Dan Eastwood said: “This funding is a testament to our academic excellence and investment in state-of-the-art facilities to support innovation in nature-based solutions. It underscores our commitment to driving forward impactful research that benefits society and the environment.”

Project Co-lead Dr Farooq Shah added: “The Centre will foster an ecosystem for co-creating and accelerating the Green Economy. This funding presents immense opportunities for businesses to network, engage in collaborative R&D, and maximize their outputs. By providing a platform for academia and industry to work hand in hand, the NP BioHUB Centre will be a catalyst for innovation and growth, driving forward solutions to global environmental challenges.”

CCAP is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), part of UK Research and Innovation, as a National Capability service.